Although technically free-to-play, Honkai: Star Rail has plenty of micro transactions that make it difficult for players to find the best ways to play the game without spending money. A gacha game similar to developer HoYoverse’s other popular game Genshin Impact, there are thankfully more options for players to get new characters other than breaking out their wallet. Additionally, refined systems that are far less punishing help prevent players from thinking they must pay to win.
One important fact to note is that Honkai: Star Rail gives out eight characters for players to use right when they start the game. There is no PvP mode as well, meaning players can stick with this starting roster for their entire experience if they want. Unlike in HoYoverse’s previous titles, the best team comps for beginners are not defined by the game’s meta but rather by the individual preferences of the player.
How to Play Honkai: Star Rail Without Spending Money
The best way players can avoid spending money is to play through the game’s main story to unlock Daily Training Missions as soon as possible. The main currency of Honkai: Star Rail, called Stellar Jade, may be earned by completing story missions or daily objectives that players come across while playing. The first playthrough of the story remains important because it represents the best chance for players to stockpile Jade early on.
The best way to avoid spending money in the game is to complete Daily Training Missions for Activity Points that let players collect a Daily Reward.
The logical next step here would be to complete Daily Training Missions to earn Activity Points (AP) before they run out. Usually, around 60 Stellar Jades, 1000 Trailblaze EXP, Credits, Lost Gold Fragments, and Adventure Logs are given when players earn up to 500 AP from Daily Training. Players looking to pull 4- or 5-star characters in Honkai: Star Rail should always be looking to get these done if they plan to refrain from using money to buy rolls.
While it may be tempting to spend resources on upgrades or new characters fast, the best way to approach this game with free-to-play is to conserve currency by playing slowly. Like most gacha games, the only difference spending money gives is faster progression. Therefore, players need to be careful and not spend resources on trivial shortcuts such as refilling their energy or enhancement materials that can be collected from beating stages multiple times.
How To Get More Resources For Free
Once players grind out to Level 40 Trailblazer, a third difficulty mode unlocks that grants more rewards for mission completion than before. Only here should players consider spending materials on stamina refills or something similar, as the earnings are much better here. The best ways to play Honkai: Star Rail without spending money demand patience from the player before they can experience some of the game’s best elements.
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Honkai: Star Rail
- Platform:
- PC, iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows
- Developer:
- HoYoverse
- Publisher:
- HoYoverse
- Genre:
- Turn-Based Strategy, RPG, Adventure
- Multiplayer:
- Online Multiplayer
- ESRB:
- Not Yet Rated
- Summary:
- Set after the events of the ongoing game Honkai Impact 3rd, Honkai: Star Rail is a turn-based online RPG from developer Hoyoverse. Two members of the Astral Express, March 7th and Dan Heng, are on their way to the Herta Space Station with precious cargo when ambushed by members of a group known as the Antimatter Legion. Chaos ensues as among them is the god of destruction known as Aeon, who steals a seed known as a Stellaron, which they implant in an artificial human known as the “Trailblazer.” Players will assume the role of this character as they try to avoid their fate and save all of civilization. Similar to gacha-style games, players can acquire more characters to add to their party by summoning and engaging in fast-paced turn-based battles in this epic Sci-fi online RPG.
